Essential Guide to Safely Storing and Locking Up Your Firearm

Owning a firearm comes with great responsibility. While they are valuable for protection, sport, and recreation, firearms can also pose significant risks if not stored properly. Ensuring that your guns are stored and locked safely not only helps prevent accidents but also deters theft and unauthorized use. Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned shooter, having the right storage system is crucial to maintaining a safe environment for you, your loved ones, and your community.

This guide will walk you through the best practices for storing your firearms, including specific recommendations for products designed to keep your guns secure and accessible when you need them. Let's dive into the key steps you need to follow to ensure that your firearms are stored safely and responsibly.

1. Choose the Right Firearm Safe

The first and most important aspect of safely storing your firearm is investing in a reliable gun safe. Gun safes come in a variety of sizes and types, depending on the type of firearms you own and your security needs. A good safe will protect your firearms from theft, unauthorized access, and damage from environmental factors like humidity.

• Key Features to Look For:
• Size and Capacity: Make sure the safe can accommodate all your firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
• Fire and Water Resistance: Look for safes that offer protection against fire and water damage to preserve the condition of your firearms.
• Locking Mechanism: Choose between electronic, biometric, and traditional combination locks based on your preferences.

Product Recommendations:

• Liberty Safe HDX-250 Biometric Handgun Vault: Perfect for handgun owners, this compact safe offers quick access with a fingerprint scanner while ensuring only authorized users can open it.
• Stack-On 18-Gun Convertible Safe: Ideal for rifle and shotgun owners, this safe has adjustable shelving, providing flexibility for different types of firearms.

2. Use Gun Locks for an Extra Layer of Security

While a gun safe is the best way to store firearms, adding individual gun locks provides an additional layer of security. Gun locks are an inexpensive yet effective way to prevent accidental discharge or tampering.

• Types of Gun Locks:
• Trigger Locks: These devices fit over the trigger, preventing it from being pulled.
• Cable Locks: A cable runs through the barrel and locks in place, making the firearm inoperable.

Product Recommendations:

• Master Lock 94DSPT Trigger Lock: Affordable and easy to use, this trigger lock works with most handguns and rifles.
• Caldwell Cable Lock: This versatile lock works for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, ensuring an extra layer of security within your safe.

3. Store Ammunition Separately

Another crucial aspect of firearm safety is storing ammunition separately from your firearms. Keeping the ammunition in a separate, locked location ensures that in the event of unauthorized access to your firearms, they can’t be immediately fired.

• Tips for Ammunition Storage:
• Use a Lockable Box: Store your ammunition in a secure, lockable container, separate from your firearm safe.
• Consider Environmental Factors: Keep your ammunition dry and in a cool place to maintain its condition. Ammunition is sensitive to moisture and temperature, which can degrade its effectiveness over time.

Product Recommendations:

• MTM AC4C Ammo Crate: This heavy-duty, lockable ammo crate is perfect for storing a large amount of ammunition securely.
• SnapSafe Lockbox: Compact and durable, this lockbox is ideal for handgun ammo or a smaller collection of rounds.

4. Consider Quick Access Safes for Self-Defense Firearms

For firearms that you keep for self-defense purposes, quick access is key. However, safety should still remain your priority. Quick access safes provide the perfect balance between keeping your gun secure and ensuring you can retrieve it quickly in an emergency.

• Features to Look For:
• Biometric Scanners: Safes with fingerprint access allow for quick and secure retrieval.
• Proximity to Your Location: Keep the safe in a location that allows you to access it swiftly, but also out of reach of unauthorized users or children.

Product Recommendations:

• Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe: This high-tech safe provides rapid fingerprint access while maintaining a secure enclosure for your handgun.
• GunVault SpeedVault SV500: A great option for home defense, this safe can be mounted in convenient locations like under a desk or in a bedroom for quick access.

5. Firearm Safes for Long-Term Storage

If you own firearms that you don’t need regular access to—such as collector’s items or hunting rifles—consider a safe that’s optimized for long-term storage. These safes provide extra protection against environmental factors and have additional security features to prevent unauthorized access over time.

• Considerations for Long-Term Storage:
• Dehumidifiers: Firearms stored long-term can be susceptible to rust if humidity is too high. A dehumidifier inside the safe helps to protect your guns from moisture.
• Proper Cleaning: Before storing your firearms for an extended period, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated to prevent corrosion.

Product Recommendations:

• Browning ProSteel Safes: These premium safes offer high-capacity storage with advanced fire and theft protection, ideal for long-term storage of multiple firearms.
• Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier: A compact, renewable dehumidifier that’s perfect for keeping your safe dry and your guns in pristine condition.

6. Keep Firearms Out of Reach of Children

The number one reason for storing firearms safely is to prevent accidents, especially in homes with children. Even if you don’t have children living in your home, it’s important to ensure that your firearms are stored in a way that prevents access by curious visitors or guests.

• Best Practices for Homes with Children:
• Educate Your Children: Teach children about the dangers of firearms and ensure they understand that guns are not toys.
• Use Tamper-Proof Safes: Invest in safes with advanced security features that prevent tampering or guessing combinations.

Product Recommendations:

• SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe: This safe comes with a biometric lock and is small enough to be kept out of sight while providing rapid access to authorized users.
• Hornady RAPiD Safe: With RFID technology, this safe can be opened quickly using a key fob or wristband, while still preventing unauthorized access.

7. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Storage System

It’s not enough to simply buy a safe and lock it up—you also need to regularly inspect and maintain your firearm storage system to ensure it remains effective. Over time, locks and safes can wear down, and environmental factors can damage your firearms if left unchecked.

• What to Inspect:
• Locking Mechanisms: Ensure that all locks, whether on safes or individual firearms, are functioning correctly.
• Environmental Conditions: Check for signs of moisture or temperature changes that could affect your firearms or ammunition.

Product Recommendations:

• Hornady Safe Dehumidifier Rod: Ideal for larger safes, this dehumidifier rod prevents moisture buildup and protects your guns from rust.
• Glock Gun Cleaning Kit: Keeping your firearms clean is essential to ensure they remain in working condition while stored. This cleaning kit is a great all-in-one solution for gun owners.

Owning firearms is a serious responsibility, and part of that responsibility includes ensuring they are stored safely and securely. By choosing the right gun safes, utilizing locks, and storing ammunition separately, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community from potential harm. Always remember to stay vigilant, regularly inspect your storage system, and maintain the integrity of your firearms to ensure they’re always in top condition.

For all your firearm storage needs, visit Brownells.com to browse a wide selection of safes, locks, and other security products designed to keep your firearms safe and secure.

By following these essential tips, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your firearms are safely stored and only accessible to you and other authorized users. Stay responsible, stay safe, and keep your firearms secure.